Growing Tiare (Gardenia taitensis) from Seeds

jeffreyropp(9)October 14, 2008

After coming back from my honeymoon in Bora Bora, I decided to grow Tiare (Gardenia taitensis) as a reminder of our wonderful trip. I didn't have any luck finding a small plant, but did obtain 10 seeds (Rare Seed Source on eBay).

I planted the seeds in peat moss in a covered container. I've been able to keep the temp between 70 and 90 degrees.

The first seed germinated in 25 days.

To date, 8 of 10 seeds have germinated and a few have very small true leaves.

For some reason, they grow VERY slowly. Is there anything I can do to improve their environment and encourage more robust growth?

I haven't yet grown Tiare Gardenia from seed. As much as I love to keep delighting myself on the beauty of mother nature. I will probably just piddle with them for the fun of it some day in the near future. I do however have the thin leave Gardenia developing a good sized pod on it so I may get my hand in growing it from seed very soon.

Just last year I obtained a tiny Tiare Gardenia specimen so I am still very young in learning about it's culturing and growing habits. The plant does not show any sign of growing until just very recently then leaping like the sky is the limit.

Have you transplanted the seedlings into their own individual pots? I think this is a good time of the year to do so if they already have at least 5-7 true leaves on them. I suspect you won't be seeing much new growth until they have established the root system in their good soil conditions.

I would also try watering some more and some less, and see which ones do the best. Like everything else watering is a skill that one can develop over time.

Jeff,
Greetings and congrats on your baby tiares. I purchased a small tiare from a great seller on ebay a few months back. Mine has been growing like a weed! I'm not sure what I'm doing right, but it seems to be working. It has it's first bud on it, so it should bloom soon...can't wait! I put mine in a south-facing window and only water when I notice the leaves a bit drooped. I've noticed that mine doesn't like direct sun, as the leaves tend to droop down when in direct sun. It's been putting out about 2-4 new leaves a week...crazy! I've been mixing a teaspoon of epsom salt with a SMALL amount of all-purpose fertilizer in a gallon of water and give the plant this about every two weeks. Other than that...I talk sweet to it and make sure it stays warm. I hope this helps...I know there isn't too much info out there about these plants. Keep us informed on their progress. Later
Chuck